Ryu-O challenger finals
Tamura qualified for the Ryu-O challenger final for the first time with
a win over veteran Numa. He was the favourite to win this game, but Numa
gave him a good run for his money by choosing a very sharp opening that
lead to all kinds of interesting complications. However, Tamura handled
these better and won quickly as the game ended before the evening break.
A tough fight in Ladies Osho
Ishibashi equalised in the Ladies Osho title against challenger
Shimizu. Losing would have meant 2-0 down with three to play, so this was a vital
victory for her. However, Ishibashi seemed to play without any pressure
and even though Shimizu seemed a little better for most of the game,
Ishibashi was never far behind, waiting for a chance to turn the tables.
These chanced came when both players had to play the difficult endgame
in byoyomi. Things were far from flawless there, but Ishibashi found an
early escape from Shimizu attack to get enough breathing space to give
her own attack decisive strength. A tough fight that shows that Ishibashi is
closing in on her teacher Shimizu, who will have a very hard time taking
the Osho title from her.
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